Encapsulation of molecular hydrogen in fullerene C60 by organic synthesis

In spite of their importance in fundamental and applied studies, the preparation of endohedral fullerenes has relied on difficult-to-control physical methods. We report a four-step organic reaction that completely closes a 13-membered ring orifice of an open-cage fullerene. This process can be used to synthesize a fullerene C60 encapsulating molecular hydrogen, which can be isolated as a pure product. This molecular surgical method should make possible the preparation of a series of C60 fullerenes, encapsulating either small atoms or molecules, that are not accessible by conventional physical methods.     

Prediction of dry veneer stiffness using near infrared spectra from transverse section of green log

This study examined the feasibility of near infrared spectroscopy as a novel technique for log assessment on the basis of wood property. Near infrared (NIR) spectra were obtained from the transverse section of green log and multivariate regression analysis was carried out to predict the stiffness of veneer processed from the log. The stiffness of the veneer was dynamic modulus of elasticity measured using ultrasonic method. The calibrations of veneer stiffness had moderate relationships between measured and NIR-predicted values, with regression coefficients ranging from 0.84 to 0.88. The calibration equations were applied to the test set and it was found that predictions were also well fitted, with regression coefficients ranging from 0.67 to 0.89. The results indicate that the variation of wood stiffness within the logs could be assessed using the NIR spectra from the cross-section of logs. The spectra were obtained from green condition of the log and the stiffness of veneer was measured after kiln drying. Thus, the results imply that the wood stiffness in dry condition could be predicted using the spectra collected from green logs. If the models obtained in this study put into the imaging system, the two-dimensional map of the stiffness would be visualized on the cross-section of logs. The NIR spectroscopy coupled with imaging system could compensate the weak point of the traditional methods for log assessment.     

Development of an on-site plum pox virus detection kit based on immunochromatography

Sharka disease, caused by plum pox virus (PPV), is the most serious viral disease of stone fruit trees. Among the eight known strains of the virus, PPV-D is the most important due to its recent global spread. Although enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is the most common approach for diagnosing sharka, it involves time-consuming steps and requires expensive equipment and trained technicians. In this study, an on-site PPV detection kit based on immunochromatography was developed using polyclonal antibodies against the coat protein (CP) of a PPV-D isolate. The immunochromatographic (IC) assay kit was as sensitive as a commercial ELISA system for detecting Japanese PPV-D isolates. Moreover, it was easy to use (a one-step procedure), and results could be obtained on-site within 15 min without special laboratory equipment. The IC assay kit detected the virus from every aerial part of symptomatic Japanese apricot trees. In a detailed study of viral localization in leaves, the most suitable plant parts for use in the IC assay were symptomatic mesophyll tissues and the region from the petiole to the main vein. A positive reaction was also observed using the CP of other major (PPV-M and PPV-Rec) and minor (PPV-EA, PPV-W, and PPV-T) strains.     

Infection by Magnaporthe oryzae chrysovirus 1 strain A triggers reduced virulence and pathogenic race conversion of its host fungus, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Magnaporthe oryzae</Emphasis>

Magnaporthe oryzae chrysovirus 1 strain A (MoCV1-A) is associated with an impaired growth phenotype of its host fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae. In this report, we assayed the virulence and pathogenicity of MoCV1-A-infected and MoCV1-A-free M. oryzae on rice plants. MoCV1-A infection did not affect virulence-associated fungal traits, such as conidial germination and appressorium formation. However, after punch inoculation of leaves on rice plants, MoCV1-A-infected strain formed smaller lesions than the MoCV1-A-free strain did on all rice varieties tested, showing that MoCV1-A infection resulted in reduced virulence of host fungi in rice plants. In contrast, after spray inoculation of rice seedlings, in some cases, MoCV1-A-infected and MoCV1-A-free strains caused different lesion types (resistance to susceptible, or vice versa) on individual international differential rice varieties. However, we did not find any gain/loss of the fungal avirulence genes by PCR, suggesting that MoCV1-A infection can convert the pathogenicity of the host M. oryzae from avirulence to virulence, or from virulence to avirulence, depending on the rice variety. We also confirmed the correlation of these race conversion events and invasive hyphae growth of the fungi in a leaf sheath inoculation assay. These data suggested that MoCV1-A infection generally confers hypovirulence to the fungal host and could be a driving force to generate physiological diversity, including pathogenic races.     

Stand-scale transpiration estimates in a Moso bamboo forest: (I) Applicability of sap flux measurements

The applicability of sap flux (F_d) measurements to bamboo forests has not been studied. This study was undertaken to establish an optimal and effective design for stand-scale transpiration (E) estimates in a Moso bamboo forest. To this aim, we validated F_d measurements in Moso bamboos in a cut bamboo experiment. In addition, we analyzed how sample sizes affect the reliability of E estimates calculated from F_d and conducting culm area (A_{S_b}). In the cut bamboo experiments, we found that F_d measurement using a 10 mm probe was a valid means of determining the water-use behavior of a Moso bamboo, although a specific correction was needed. Furthermore, we calculated E from stand A_{S_b} (A_{S_stand}) and mean stand F_d (J_S). Employing Monte Carlo analysis, we examined potential errors associated with sample size in E, A_{S_stand}, and J_S using an original dataset with A_{S_b} and F_d measured for 40 and 16 individuals, respectively. Consequently, we determined the optimal sample size for both A_{S_stand} and J_S estimates as 11. The optimal sample sizes for J_S were almost the same under different vapor pressure deficit and soil moisture conditions. The optimal sample size for J_S at the study site was less than that of a coniferous plantation in the same region probably owing to small individual-to-individual variations in sap flux in the Moso bamboo forest. Our study concludes that sap flux measurements are an applicable technique for assessing water use in Moso bamboo forests.